GUARDIANS Traditions and Cultures

PGBI Guibuangan Chapter

The Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI) upholds a rich array of traditions that foster a strong sense of identity and camaraderie among its members. One of the most prominent traditions is the ceremonial initiation, which signifies the official acceptance of new members into the brotherhood. This ceremony often includes symbolic rites and rituals that emphasize loyalty, brotherhood, and the values that the organization stands for. A notable part of this initiation is the dunking or baptizing by a Founder for the incoming new members moments before their acceptance. This act serves as a symbolic purification and a marker of the new member’s commitment to the organization’s principles. These rites reinforce the bond among members and remind them of their responsibilities to each other and to the community.

In addition, before every activity or gathering, the GUARDIANS Prayer must be recited, and at the closure of every activity, the GUARDIANS Song must be sung before dispersing.

Since the GUARDIANS organization was organized, the original traditions were abused, wrongly shared, and teachers from generation to generation. One example is the handshake, which is wrongly taught by wagging up and down, a method that is not correct and inconsistent with the original teachings.

Another significant tradition is the introduction and drinking of the GUARDIANS’ Wine, a special beverage crafted exclusively by the Founder. The Founder personally prepares the wine, blending nine elements of ingredients to symbolize unity, strength, and the organization’s core values. The introduction of this GUARDIANS’ Wine during gatherings or ceremonies signifies brotherhood and shared purpose. Only the Founder is permitted to make the wine mixtures, emphasizing its sacred status within the organization. During meetings and events, members participate in the traditional drinking of the GUARDIANS’ Wine, fostering camaraderie and collective identity.

The ways in which GUARDIANS meet each other at organization activities also hold cultural significance. Members typically greet each other with respectful gestures, such as a handshake or a nod, accompanied by chants or cheers that reinforce their unity. During organized activities, it is customary for members to wear specific attire or symbols that represent their brotherhood, creating a sense of belonging. These meetings often include communal prayers, songs, and shared meals, which serve to strengthen bonds and uphold the organization’s traditions.

As part of our culture, members are required to wear their prescribed uniforms during organizational activities. This uniformity fosters discipline, unity, and pride among members, reinforcing their identity as GUARDIANS and their commitment to the organization’s principles.

Lastly, a meaningful tradition involves the marking of their middle palm of the hand and right shoulder. These markings are symbols of membership, commitment, and loyalty to the brotherhood. The markings are usually made with ink, paint, or other sacred materials, and each mark holds significant meaning—often representing the member’s dedication to the organization, their journey, and their brotherhood bond. The placement of these marks on the palm and shoulder signifies readiness to serve, protect, and uphold the values of the GUARDIANS Brotherhood at all times.

Additionally, the extra gestures for lower ranks to bless by putting or placing their hand on the much higher ranks, as they have said “respect” for them, are actually wrong. During the early days, members were co-equal with their membership standing, pointing to one of our motto elements – EQUALITY. Doing such putting their hands on the foreheads of higher ranks destroys the very concept of Equality. -GSM